7 new ideas for your old mobile when you buy the iPhone 11 or the touch 10

With so many new phone options as the iPhone 11 the 11 Pro and the Note 10 there is a temptation to upgrade your old phone the new devices. You can sell your old phone or trade it in but if you stick to it, you can give it new life by turning it into something that you really want to use.

After all, smartphones are small, powerful computers with storage space and a camera. Instead of spending money on another expensive device, you should be creative and do it yourself. Your phone is a handy replacement for many other electronic devices – you can even turn it into a home security camera or diagnose your car's mechanical problems.

Turn your old Android into a Nintendo Game Boy

You can play video games anywhere turn your Android into a Nintendo Game Boy . All you need is a compatible Android phone and a Hyperkin Smartboy mobile device.

To play the games, you must purchase Game Boy cassettes (if you do not have them yet). You can also play Game Boy Advance Apps ($ 310 on Amazon) if you do not have the retro cartridges.

Using Your iPhone or Android as a Universal Remote Control

It's great to have a remote control that can do it all – think of Click, the Adam Sandler movie. OK, maybe not so extreme. However, it is a relief to be able to control all your devices remotely. Download a remote control app such as iRule (for iPhone or Android) and sync your phone with devices such as Xbox One Roku and Apple TV .

If you have Intelligent Bulbs you can also sync your phone with them. Follow these tips to turn your device into a universal remote so you never have to wonder where your TV remote hides.

Turn your Android into a Google Home.

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Turn your Android into a Google homepage.

Transforming your Android phone into a Google homepage. A smart speaker is simple and does not require app downloads. Make sure your phone is updated to the latest Android operating system for "OK, Google." Next, you'll need to find a Bluetooth speaker that you can use to pair your phone. Make sure both devices are always connected and turned on. You can quickly issue Google Commands . Best of all, you do not have to spend $ 129 on a Google homepage. Learn What You Can Do With a Google Home Screen .

Your iPhone or Android can be used as a home security camera.

Turn your old phone into a Security Camera . First download a surveillance camera app like Alfred (for iPhone or Android). Check your house while you are at work to make sure everything is fine. Place the phone in the main room of the house in a place where you have the best view.

When you're home, put it outside (hidden, of course) to see who's knocking on your door, or to see suspicious activity. Maybe it's just a raccoon leaving candy wrappers in your backyard and not your neighbor's kid.

Turn your phone into a baby monitor.

Alina Bradford / CNET

Using Your Old Phone as a Baby Monitor

Rather than running into your child's room every time you think you're crying or hearing a strange noise, check if your baby is doing well by asking Your old phone in transforms a baby monitor .

You can set up your old phone in the room and access it from your current phone by installing Skype on both devices. You can also use a baby monitor app such as Dormi (for Android) or Cloud Baby Monitor (for iPhone). We did not test them on real babies, but the customer reviews are excellent. You feel better when you know that you can be in every room and still see your baby.

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8 ways to reuse your old phone

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Turn your iPhone or Android into a wireless mouse.

It can be annoying if your wireless mouse goes down without warning. It helps to make a backup, and you can turn your phone into a mouse in no time. You'll need to download an app like the Remote Mouse for iPhone or Android.

If you have the app, connect your phone and desktop to the same Wi-Fi network and say goodbye to this old-school mouse. Store it in your laptop bag when you're out and about, and drop by a cafe to get things done.

Keep your old phone as a music player on your old phone as a media player. Since you have a new phone, you can delete all data from your old phone (except your music and music apps).

You can add as many songs as your old phone allows without worrying about how much memory you're using. Connect it to your surround sound speaker as you celebrate a party and start having fun.

The great thing is that you can leave it in one place and not have to worry about incoming calls and messages that interrupt your tunes.